Prez Dissanayake’s ‘balanced approach’ under scrutiny as Colombo welcomes Chinese vessel
Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake
Sri Lanka’s new government on Tuesday (Oct 8) allowed a Chinese navy ship to dock in Colombo, a move likely to raise eyebrows in New Delhi. The move came despite Sri Lanka’s ban on foreign research vessels. However, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath later tried to allay concerns saying the permission was given because it was a “training vessel and not a research craft”.
“There is no change in the policy regarding research vessels,” the foreign minister told reporters.
Sri Lankan Navy earlier said the Chinese vessel, with 130 crew aboard, will stay docked till Friday (Oct 11). It added the crew will visit “tourist attractions of the country” as well as offer “briefings” to Sri Lankan sailors.
India looks askance upon such visits by Chinese vessels in its neighbourhood amid concerns about Beijing’s increasing influence on Sri Lanka and Maldives. Following India’s objections, Colombo last year denied permission to China’s Xiang Yang Hong 3 research ship to enter its waters.
On Tuesday, foreign minister Herath said Sri Lanka will follow a balanced approach, where no country is given preferential treatment.
“We are doing business with China just as we are doing business with India,” he added.
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He also confirmed a visit by a Chinese military training vessel to Sri Lanka later this month, saying it was a part of regular diplomatic engagements. “The ship is scheduled to arrive in the port of Colombo this month,” he noted on Tuesday.
The new government took charge in Colombo last month, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake saying he doesn’t want to be sandwiched between giants India and China.
Dissanayake, in his interview with Monocle magazine, emphasised that under his leadership, the country will avoid being drawn into geopolitical rivalries.
“We won’t be a competitor in that geopolitical fight, nor will we be aligned to any party. We don’t want to be sandwiched, especially between China and India. Both countries are valued friends and, under an NPP government, we expect them to become close partners. We also want to maintain relations with the EU, the Middle East and Africa,” the president had said.
(With inputs from agencies)